Kelly & Ross’s first year of fostering siblings
Date published
29 September 2025
Having a family unit had always been a dream for Kelly and Ross, and after years of trying to start their own, they found their path through fostering.
“Back in my 20s I always envisioned fostering or adopting,” she recalls. “Then we tried to have our own family, but it didn’t work out. We were so ready to experience family life and being parents. We started to look into fostering as we knew we could offer a safe and stable family with so many children needing homes.”
As a self-employed mortgage advisor, Kelly’s job offered the flexibility fostering would need. “I always knew I would have the time to foster, and I could fit my work around either when they’re at school or in bed.”
Ross was more cautious at first. “I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to bond with the child if they weren’t my own,” he admits.
When they began their fostering journey, Kelly and Ross imagined a long-term placement with one young child. But the reality was different.
“After reading many referrals, we realised it was mainly sibling groups looking for homes,” Kelly explains. “Although nervous as first time parents, we knew we had the space and could offer them a safe home. We said, why not, let’s give it a go.”
In England, an estimated 37% of children with siblings are separated from at least one of them when they enter care, that’s about 20,000 children.
They were offered several sibling placements that didn’t come through at the last minute. Still, they stayed positive. They went on to welcome a brother (4) and sister (3) into their home,
“We always had the bedrooms ready with toys and everything. The children laugh about it now, once I had two unicorn towels ready after being ready for sibling girls however when our young boy arrived, he thought it was hilarious. We soon went out and got his Spiderman one!”
When the siblings arrived, Kelly and Ross’s lives changed overnight. “Our worlds were turned upside down,” The couple said. “The first month was a huge learning curve, but we worked hard to establish routines, bath each night, tea, and bedtime.”
Kelly and Ross truly love fostering and the difference in the siblings has been incredible. The children are thriving in family life and doing brilliantly at school Kelly became emotional thinking back:
“I look at them tucked up in bed and think, how can anyone hurt them? They are so precious.”
Those early weeks were not easy. “The young girl wasn’t showing any feelings at all and was disengaged, while her younger brother was very upset and overwhelmed. We gave lots of hugs and reassurance.”
For the first nine weeks, their eldest had to travel across the city for school. “The weeks were long, and the children were shattered. But once he moved to our local school, things got easier. Now we walk to school together every day.”
Kelly beams when she talks about how far the children have come.
“Our youngest has just started reception. It’s so lovely to see them doing well and settled. They’re so popular, the teachers and other parents sing their praises. We’ve taken them to many parties and play dates over the past year. It’s wonderful to watch them experience these things.”
Holidays and celebrations have brought joy too. “A fond memory was taking the kids on a caravan holiday. And Christmas was magical, Ross has a big family, there were 26 of us. The children were spoilt rotten, and they loved going to the Snowdome and seeing Santa himself.”
Ross adds: “Fostering has brought so much fun to our relationship. We do so much as a family and watching them experience things for the first time is magical.”
The fostering process wasn’t always easy. “It was very lengthy, a little intrusive, overwhelming and daunting at times,” Kelly admits. “But I completely understand why, and it was so worth it.”
Uncertainty remains one of the hardest parts. The children’s long-term future is still being decided in court. “We were always prepared that the children may return to their birth family,” Ross explains. “But it’s extremely difficult to think about. We’re resilient, and we know Nexus will support us through whatever happens.”
Throughout their journey, Kelly and Ross have felt supported.
“Nexus have been amazing. We’ve been lucky to have the same social worker, Katherine, since our first home visit through to now. She knows us so well and is always at the end of the phone.”
Kelly adds: “Nexus keeps you connected with other foster carers, through support groups, family days, WhatsApp chats, and training. I always feel like I can share my experiences.”
Fostering has tested their patience but also brought joy. “I underestimated how much patience I had,” Kelly laughs. “Going anywhere takes longer, and I’ve had to adjust my timeline to theirs. But fostering has brought so much fun to our lives.”
“100% go for it. You don’t know who you’ll be matched with or what the outcome will be, but what you do know is you’ll get through it and it’s so rewarding. And Nexus will be by your side every step of the way.”
There are many sibling groups in your local area who need a safe, stable and loving home. If you’ve ever considered fostering, why not get in touch with us on 0800 389 0143 today or pop along to one of our monthly Gloucester drop-ins to find out how you could help keep brothers and sisters together.
Fostering stories
29 September 2025
